I’ve been thinking about the title of this article more and more recently, but especially after my last trip to the UK, which included time in both England and Scotland. In recent years, I’ve made more and more golf trips to England, and my appreciation for its golf has risen steadily. I’ll admit, I’ve even been having what some might … Read More
Royal St. George’s Review – One of the Greatest British Classics
There’s something special about Britain’s great old golf clubs. They embrace tradition dearly, their courses are revered and historic, and in nearly every case, they open their doors to visitors. It’s a combination not found at U.S. private clubs and it’s part of what makes international golf travel so much fun. Royal St. George’s is perhaps the ultimate example of … Read More
Royal North Devon Golf Club (Westward Ho!) Review
On my travels I occasionally play somewhere that catches me off guard. Royal North Devon—or Westward Ho! as it is often called—was one such place. I visited the course on a recent trip to England with my wife. She doesn’t play golf, but we walked the course together, ate lunch in the clubhouse, and left saying, “Why aren’t more clubs … Read More
St. Enodoc (Church Course) Review
I wrote about my trip to England for LINKS Magazine, and in that article I opened with an anecdote about Tom Doak. I think it’s worth repeating here. I played a round with Tom a couple of years ago and he told me about a phone call he received from a course owner. The owner asked where to go on … Read More
Swinley Forest Golf Club Review
Swinley Forest is different than many other English clubs. It is comparatively exclusive and the membership includes British aristocracy, high ranking members of the British military, and royalty. There is a real sense of occasion when pulling through the gates onto the property. The beautiful traditional clubhouse is exactly what you would expect at a club whose course is ranked … Read More